The City adopted the LBCRA in 1994. It provides that “[a]ny person who makes independent expenditures supporting or opposing a candidate shall not accept any contribution” in excess of $350 to $650, depending upon the office for which the candidate is running. Long Beach, Cal., Ordinances §§ 2.01.310, 2.01.610. “Person” is broadly defined to include “any individual, organization or political action committee whose contributions or expenditure activities are financed, maintained or controlled by any corporation, labor organization, association, political party or any other person or committee.”
Id. § 2.01.210(D). “Independent expenditures” are “expenditure[s] made by any person ... in connection with a communication which expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate ... but which is not made to or at the behest of the affected candidate or committee.”
Cal. Gov't Code § 82031; Long Beach, Cal., Ordinances § 2.01.220 (adopting state law definition). An expenditure is not “independent” if it involves the control, direction, cooperation, consultation, coordination, request, or suggestion of a candidate.
See Cal. Gov't Code § 82015;
Cal. Admin. Code tit. 2, § 18225.7;
see also Long Beach, Cal., Ordinances § 2.01.310 (discussing contribution limitations).